There are two popular ways to create video content. You can pre-record the content, or you can livestream the content. Pre-recorded content is recorded ahead of time and made from shots that are put together later through editing. Live video is when the material is shared with an audience in real time.
There are pros and cons of each to consider.
Equipment
A live video requires different and sometimes more equipment. You will likely need to acquire more equipment to get a live video started successfully with no glitches. Due to the various equipment required, it may seem more natural to produce a high-quality pre-recorded video. You can run pre-recorded video “as live” on some platforms too.
Audience Interaction and Engagement
Live videos typically do better and rely on live interaction with your audience. Depending on your personality type, this can be either a pro or a con. If you can speak naturally to an audience without stage fright, then live video is an excellent option for you.
This type of interaction isn’t available when pre-recorded, as the comments are often a reaction to the final product and not a factor during your live interaction. You can’t know how your audience is feeling at that very moment like you can during a live video by simply asking them.
Acting/Public Speaking
Pre-recorded videos allow you to edit and refine your message, whereas live videos are like acting or public speaking. While your subject may not require you to act a particular part or character, it may be harder for you to follow a prompt or remember what you want to say live.
A pre-recorded video allows you to mess up and redo shots if needed. With live videos, you will have to go along with your mistakes or practice not making any.
Having said that, your audience doesn’t expect perfection. It is normal to mess up on a few words here or there. For some people, this can also be considered fun, and live streaming may be the best style for your type of content as well.
Editing
Editing is a great benefit when it comes to the ability to redo, but it can also be considered a negative due to it being time-consuming. Live videos are sometimes believed to be easier because they often don’t require any editing. Even if videos are reused later, the editing is usually straightforward and easier as the viewers know that at one point it was recorded live.
Unexpected Issues
Live videos require you to deal with issues that may happen, such as loss of internet or lag time that slows down or blocks your viewers from seeing your content. This can cause delays in schedules or even a spur – an adverse reaction from your viewers. While pre-recorded videos are not entirely free from unexpected issues, loss of internet one day won’t prevent you from developing the video at least.
As you can see, the pros and cons depend on your personality type and type of content you want to produce. If you love the idea of interacting with your audience as you teach them a subject, then your content is best done live.
However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t utilize pre-recorded content too. These platforms are often interchangeable. You will see businesses and other video creators using both, and for a good reason. They both get information to your audience.
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